flattery

noun

flat·​tery ˈfla-tə-rē 

plural flatteries

1

a

: the act or practice of flattering

She uses the art of flattery to her advantage.

b(1)

: something that flatters

A compliment is flattery …

—Harry Shaw

(2)

: insincere or excessive praise

He tried to win his teacher's favor with flattery.

2

obsolete : a pleasing self-deception

Synonyms

• praise
• butter
• adulation
• acclaim
• adoration
• sweet talk

Examples of flattery in a Sentence

He tried to win his teacher's favor with flattery.

a talk show host who is known for charming her guests with disingenuous flattery

Recent Examples on the Web

Scammers use friendliness, flattery and false urgency to pull you in, then drain your accounts. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025

Imitation is the greatest form of flattery. —PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025

Similar veiled olive branches have been extended to Russian President Vladimir Putin—but only after months of flattery and praise strangely directed at Putin by his American counterpart. —Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 15 Oct. 2025

All this flattery appears to be sincere—a version of the hyper-specific, borderline-surreal praise that Leslie piled on her bestie, Ann. —Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see flatter entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing flattery

• flattery will get you nowhere
• self-flattery

Rhymes for flattery

• battery
• slattery

Kids Definition

flattery

noun

flat·​tery ˈflat-ə-rē 

plural flatteries

1

: the act of flattering

2

: praise that is excessive or not sincere